The first rule of investing is…that there are no rules. Seriously, NO RULES! With all apologies to Mr. Buffett, there are guidelines, suggestions and simple math, but no rules.

It doesn’t always seem that way. There is no shortage of talking heads (journalists, bloggers, analysts, financial advisors, etc.) telling you what to do with your hard-earned savings. But in the end it’s your money. You can invest it (or spend it) however you see fit.

1. If you want to hold stocks if they hit Japan-like bubble valuation levels. You can do that.
2. If you already moved 20% into cash in anticipation of a correction that never came. You can do that.
3. If you are up to your eyeballs in entrepreneurial risk and want to hold other safe assets. You can do that.
4. If your career is just getting started and you’re not ready to own stocks. You can do that.
5. If you want to put 5% of your portfolio into a basket of cryptocurrencies. You can do that.

As Meb Faber writes: “Remember, when Mr. Market shows up at your door, you don’t have to answer….” That being said there are some simple things you can do to improve your financial life without messing with the stock market.

1. If your employer offers a match for 401(k) contributions, get every penny you can.
2. If choosing between two similar investment vehicles: choose the cheaper one.
3. If someone ever says an investment can’t lose or is guaranteed. Walk the other way.
4. If you have have a young family, buy some low cost, term life insurance.
5. If you have high rate credit card, work to eliminate that debt ASAP.